Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary: Your Ultimate Day-by-Day Guide

Some treks introduce you to mountains.

Then there is the Upper Dolpo trek, which promises myth.

Far to the north and west of Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri, the Upper Dolpo region is a rocky, high-altitude desert with the Tibetan Plateau behind it that feels like a different planet.

It is a world with no roads and no Wifi, meaning you tap the rarest and most uneventful crowds.

It’s all raw beauty, ancient cultures and pedestrian pathways sitting on the ground with dirt and history.

What you are about to do is more than a hike.

It is a rarity to access a world and experience where every stone and every prayer flag tells its journey.

Here, old Tibetan trade routes carve through the open, rugged land.

At Bold Adventure, we have developed an Upper Dolpo trek itinerary that will take you on a 26-day planned circuit.

You will learn everything you need to know – from the route and permits to cultural features and how to prepare for high-altitude camping in rural Nepal.

You’re not just trekking.

You’re traversing a legend.

Did you know: The 1999 Oscar-nominated film Caravan was filmed here. That is how real and wild this place is.

A Journey Through the Remote Himalayan Wild

This Upper Dolpo trek itinerary will take you on a wild journey, not just geographically, but spiritually.

Upper Dolpo is like entering a secret.

The walk takes you through remote villages, three high-altitude passes, and wild lands that have remained unchanged for centuries.

You will meet people who still live as their ancestors did, growing barley on steep slopes, spinning prayer wheels, and following a tempo that most of us have lost.

This part of the world has preserved its Tibetan culture for hundreds of years.

You can see it in the Buddhist monasteries, the chants, the clothing and the hospitality of local people.

And surrounding you?

Silence. Space. Stars that you have never seen.

Fact: You will start the trek flying into Juphal, which is a tiny mountain airstrip, and this airstrip will take you into a truly off-grid adventure.

Culture, Wilderness & Legends of the Hidden Valley

This is when things get enchanted. 

The Upper Dolpo Hidden Valley trek invites you into this forgotten land where each cliff tells a tale, and where every prayer flag is a secret from time forgotten.

You’ll visit Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery rich in spiritual power, which rests below Crystal Mountain.

The locals believe that walking around it (a kora) will take away bad karma.

And honestly, you can feel something disappear in that space.

This area is known as the Hidden Valley of Bon, where ancient legends are tied around it that speak of it being a sacred refuge during dark times.

When you explore the place surrounded by cliffs, sky and lines of prayer flags waving, you will understand the reason for it.

And there’s the wildlife.

Yes, this is snow leopard territory.

You may never see one, but knowing they are there with you, observing from the shadows, makes every suspended breath vibrant.

Trek Tip: Take your time to rest and listen in Shey Gompa. The wind, the chanting, and the stillness aren’t just peaceful; they’re potent.

Quick Facts: Duration, Route, Altitude & Difficulty

Before diving into the wilds, it’s essential to understand what you are getting into.

The Upper Dolpo Circuit trek isn’t something you walk into; it’s a high-altitude expedition in a remote part of the Himalayas.

It’s for those who are ready to disconnect and go deep.

Here is a quick overview to set the stage.

At a Glance:

How Long is the Upper Dolpo Trek?

We have created a 26-day Upper Dolpo trek itinerary with a purpose.

This is not a trek to rush.

You will travel from Juphal in the Dolpo region to Jomsom in Mustang, passing through ancient trading routes, sacred valleys and three significant high passes.

Yes, it is long, but every single moment counts.

Short-Cut Notice: Some itineraries turn back to Dunai in less than 21 days. But you will miss out on Dho Tarap and Kang La Pass. The epic finale is set in the rain shadow valleys of Mustang, which is one of the most rugged terrains in Nepal.

How High Do You Go? Understanding Elevation Gain

We will not provide you with a misleading statement; this trek goes high and you will feel it!

• Numa La Pass, 5,310 m

• Baga La Pass, 5,170 m

• Kang La Pass, 5,350 m

These three passes are challenging not just on your legs, but also your breathing, patience and perspective.

Because of this, we have added acclimatization days to prepare your body for altitude gains across the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary.

We do not take any shortcuts in routes; we only build better itineraries.

Pro Tip: Want to do this trek without getting altitude sickness? Do not skip your rest days! The slow buildup is what makes this trek amazing (and safer).

What’s the Route Like? Loop, Side Trails & GHT Segments

The Upper Dolpo region is off the beaten track, rugged and laps around mountains.

It travels through Shey Phoksundo National Park, weaves into the Hidden Valley, and exits through Jomsom, along the sections of the GHT (Great Himalayan Trail).

You can expect:

• Crossing rivers
• Rocky ascents
• Yaks as your friendly neighbors
• A long stretch where you may not see another trekker for days

Complete 26-Day Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary (Day-by-Day)

This is a camping trek, not a teahouse holiday. 

You’ll depend on your crew, your gear and the trail rhythms. 

And yes, that is what makes it memorable.

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu – The Trek Begins (1,400 m)

Welcome to Nepal, the starting point of your Upper Dolpo trekking itinerary.

Our Bold Adventure staff will be available to meet you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.

We will transfer you to your hotel (in the city center) in Kathmandu, where you can unpack, relax and breathe the Himalayan air for the first time.

Today is your arrival and orientation day.

You will meet your trek coordinator, who will outline your adventure, including permits, altitude, logistics and prepare you for what to expect in the wild west of Dolpo.

This is also your chance to ask questions or double-check your gear for the last time.

Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight with your fellow trekkers.

The excitement builds as the adventure begins tomorrow.

Pro Tip: Relax today!! Hydrate and sleep well tonight. The altitude is coming!

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1,400 m)

Your second day in Nepal is a mix of culture and preparation.

To begin with, we will discover some of Kathmandu’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We will start at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, where many pilgrims and sadhus offer their prayers on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Next, we will go to the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa, which is a spiritual hub of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Here, you can spin the prayer wheels and observe the chanting monks.

Next, we will go to the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).

The stupa is situated above the city and provides a 360-degree view of the valley and your first glimpse of Himalayan peaks in the distance.

After lunch, we will focus on trek preparation.

Your guide will review the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary with you, check your kit and assist in buying/renting anything you are missing, such as sleeping bags, down jackets or snacks.

You will also complete your permits.

Pro Tip: Thamel is a perfect area to pick up last-minute gear or grab a good coffee before venturing into the sticks. 

Tomorrow, we head to the hills.

Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150 m)

After breakfast, you will transfer to the domestic terminal for the 50-minute mountain flight to Nepalgunj, the lowland gateway to Dolpo.

As the green hills fade away, the Terai plains stretch out below like a warm welcome.

The contrast is immediate on arrival.

Nepalgunj is hot, bustling and Indian-influenced in culture.

It is teeming with markets, tuk-tuks brightly painted like Indian trucks, and roadside stalls selling spicy fritters.

It’s a city of contrasts and a reminder of just how varied Nepal actually is.

Our team will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel.

You’ll have an opportunity to relax, explore some of the local bazaars or try some local thali.

Nepalgunj is the final urban stop before we head into the wilderness of Upper Dolpo. 

Get a good night’s sleep, as tomorrow the adventure begins in earnest.

Day 4: Fly to Juphal (2,475m) and Trek to Dunai (2,140m)

Your day begins early with a 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, a remote airstrip nestled between the mountains.

This day of your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary is where the real adventure begins.

From the plane, you’ll glimpse majestic peaks like Dhaulagiri and layers of green valleys below, which is pure Himalayan beauty.

And when you land, the trail awaits.

The air is cooler, the silence deeper.

You’ll trek for about three hours, passing through terraced fields, flapping prayer flags, and Nepali villagers living out their day.

The trail gently descends along the Thuli Bheri River, leading to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo.

It’s a charming riverside town where you’ll overnight in a tea house or guest lodge.

Dunai is the last stop with easy access before the wilderness sets in.

It is the true start of your Upper Dolpo trek, a mix of cultural experience and anticipation of the pristine beauty ahead.

Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2,687 m)

Today, you will hike further into Shey Phoksundo National Park along the gorgeous Phoksundo River.

This trekking route is a moderate one that will be scenic, with beautiful landscapes, perfect for loosening up your legs.

You will be hiking for about 6 hours along the river’s gentle lapping of the water, the backdrop symphony accompanying you and your trek.

You will initially cross the Silughar checkpost, where your permits will be inspected.

Then, technically, you will be in the protected area of the park.

As you cross Kageni, Jutung and Shanta, you will notice the scenery shifting from bamboo grove villages of pine, walnut and cypress shade.

This part of the trail is like a green tunnel to heaven.

Once this stretch of forest gives way to sun through mossy boulders and flying leaves, in the late afternoon, you will arrive at Chhepka, a calming resort village.

Tonight, you will be camping out either in a tent or base camp and will be rocked to sleep by natural sounds.

This is the start of the raw wilderness of the Dolpo region.

You are not only hiking, but you are walking into a living tapestry of primeval forest, sacred rivers and untouched Himalayan enchantment.

Day 6: Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar (3,000 m)

Your second day of total trekking starts with a relaxing morning walk through densely canopied forests of pine, juniper, birch and fir.

The trail runs mostly along riverbanks, past lovely secret gardens of trees with an airy, shady and slightly upward course.

After a comfortable 4 hours of walking, you will stop in Rechi, a charming little clearing with lots of room to spread out and grab lunch. 

After Rechi, the trail continues through peaceful woodlands, and a couple of suspension bridges along the way provide stunning photo opportunities.

After two more hours along beautiful, good trails, you will arrive in Chunuwar, the capital of Dolpa and site of the (very!) popular Amchi Hospital.

No, this is not an ordinary clinic.

This is the site of the indigenous Dolpo healers (Amchis) who have been helping heal locals with traditional herbal medicine for hundreds (literal hundreds!) of years. 

You will camp adjacent to the hospital campus, surrounded by gorgeous, pristine nature and the gentle rumble of a river nearby. 

You will cross over centuries-old Tibetan healing traditions and walk along the same trails where the resilient survivors of Dolpo have walked for generations.

Day 7: Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m)

Today is one of the most anticipated days in the whole Upper Dolpo trek itinerary.

The route takes you to Phoksundo Lake, the deepest and possibly the most beautiful high-altitude lake of Nepal.

The trek starts easily and passes through cedar forests until you arrive at Palam, a seasonal village.

Now the true excitement starts.

You will come close to the highest waterfall of Nepal, the great Phoksundo Waterfall (also known as Suli Gad Falls) that falls 167 meters in a thunderous cascade.

The view is photo-worthy and immersive in the thrill of the mountains.

You get your first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake as you scramble up a ridge: a painting, deep turquoise waters, with snow-capped peaks and paths clinging to cliffs in the background.

Your last downhill climb will take you to Ringmo Village, a Bonpo village.

A short way past the village is the jewel itself, the Phoksundo Lake, sacred and calm.

You will camp tonight by its gleaming shore under a star-lit sky.

Day 8: Acclimatization at Phoksundo

After days of trekking, today is all about recovery, rest and reflection.

But do not mistake it for a leisure day. 

Today’s acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake is necessary for your body to adapt to the high altitude, ensuring the rest of the journey is safe.

Enjoy a leisurely morning stroll along the lake’s shore.

You’ll stop at Ringmo village, an ancient Bonpo settlement.

Its houses, prayer walls and spinning wheels offer a glimpse into Dolpo’s pristine Tibetan culture.

A short walk leads you to the extremely old Bon monastery, which is estimated to be over 900 years old.

It houses ancient scriptures, colorful murals and an aura of serenity that cannot easily be described.

Spend the afternoon sleeping along the turquoise water or jotting in your diary with the Himalayas as witness. 

The stillness of Phoksundo Lake is more than visual, it is spiritual.

Day 9: Trek from Phoksundo to Sallaghari (3,630 m)

Following a mystical day at Phoksundo Lake, it’s time to journey further into the wild.

Today’s hike is short but beautifully dramatic – a mixture of cliff faces, forest trails and lone Himalayan serenity.

The morning starts with a sharp ascent up a rocky trail, etched high over the sparkling lake. 

As narrow as it is, it offers breathtaking panoramas of Phoksundo’s shining turquoise water against the rugged cliffs.

Then, after a few hours’ ride, you descend through a bewitching pine forest – dark, scented and motionless.

Here, Dolpo’s wild heart tells its ageless stories.

Late in the afternoon, you arrive at Sallaghari, which means “pine woods” in Nepali, quite literally.

Here, under towering conifers, you’ll camp.

The air is crisp, the peace soothing.

Tonight, you’ll be sleeping surrounded by pine trees under a canopy of stars.

That’s the kind of camping you never forget.

Day 10: Trek from Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp (4,717 m)

The trek today follows the wild heart of Upper Dolpo.

You’ll follow the babbling Tuk Kyaksa River, crossing over it several times.

This part of the Upper Dolpo trekking schedule is picturesque and serene, with nothing to break your pace of breathing and boots.

Slowly, the deep gorge opens up into a high-altitude valley that’s a tower of golden light and stillness.

The landscape shifts from grass meadows to alpine rock and you feel the altitude increasing.

In mid-afternoon, you reach Nangdala High Camp, situated at the base of a huge rock wall.

It’s unreal – far, silent, raw.

This is your staging ground before the first big pass.

You’ll rest here, hydrate and breathe in the stillness of a place that feels untouched by time.

Day 11: Trek from Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa via Nangda La Pass (5,350m)

Today’s hike is the highlight of the Upper Dolpo trekking itinerary.

You rise early and hike up the more inclining, stony trail to Nangda La Pass (5,350m).

The wind grows stronger.

Each step becomes more labored.

But when you reach the top, it will definitely be worth it.

Here, you look out over Crystal Mountain, glowing and holy, dressed in prayer flags. 

Behind it, Tibet-like plateaus of empty beauty stretch endlessly.

The descent to Shey Gompa feels like entering a spiritual dimension. 

Mani walls, chortens and fluttering prayer flags line the path.

You’re no longer just trekking – you’re walking through legend.

Shey Gompa, referred to as the “Spiritual Heart of Dolpo,” ies quietly under Crystal Mountain, which was built in the 11th century.

 It’s said that it was built by a Tibetan saint who rode a flying snow lion.

The air is thinner, not just from altitude, but from reverence.

We will set up our camp here.

Day 12: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa via Shey La Pass (5,100m)

The trail today unfolds like a forgotten poem.

You’ll start with a gentle walk beside Sepho Khola, then slowly ascend toward the dramatic Shey La Pass (5,100m).

At the top, the world opens up.

On one side, you look out over the barren beauty of the Tibetan plateau.

On the other hand, the folded ridgelines of Upper Dolpo.

To the east is Mustang, hidden behind the shadows of the mountains.

Every direction feels a gateway to another time.

Down from the pass, you’ll reach Namgung, a hillside village that’s asleep.

Namgung Gompa, a cliff-hanging, red-brick monastery, welcomes you with wind-whipped prayer flags and age-old chanting.

Not only is this Upper Dolpo trek day scenic – it’s spiritual, too. 

You’ll feel smaller, more humble and more present.

Day 13: Trek from Namgung Gompa to Saldang (3,770m)

On this day of your schedule, the trail is short yet deeply scenic.

We will leave the spiritual stillness of Namgung Gompa and walk a narrow path that climbs above Namgung Khola with panoramic views of the arid inner Dolpo region.

After about 4–5 hours, you reach Saldang Village, which is one of the largest and culturally rich settlements on the Upper Dolpo trekking itinerary.

The village sprawls along a slope with whitewashed homes, barley fields and yak herds.

There is no question of Tibetan influence here.

From language and dress to warm hospitality, you can see and feel it.

The villagers can offer you Chyang (barley beer) or salt-butter tea. 

Camping will be done outside of the village, among dry cliffs and ancient rhythms. 

Saldang is not just a stop but an entry into Dolpo’s living culture.

Day 14: Acclimatization Day at Saldang + Hike to Yangjer Gumba (4,590m)

In high-altitude trekking, rest days are not idle days; they’re crucial.

Today in Saldang, you will continue to stay here, but the experience is far from still. 

Start your morning slow. 

Savor the sounds of yak bells, distant chants and prayer flags dancing in the dry winds of the mountains. 

Soak in the sounds as later you will take a hike to Yangjer Gumba, one of the wealthiest monasteries in Dolpo.

The Gumba lies at almost 4,600 meters and is hime to Tiberan relics and scriptures.

It offers one of the most mesmerizing views in your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary.

Hiking here will help your body adjust to increasing altitude and nourish your spirit in this unspoiled natural beauty.

Retreat to camp, enjoy a cup of hot tea and let this day settle deep into your memory.

Day 15: Trek from Saldang to Komash Village (4,060m)

Today’s track will take you even further into the pristine corridors of Upper Dolpo, where even silence feels holy.

After leaving Saldang behind, you will descend into a desert of yak and the only other thing to keep you company is silence.

You will follow the Raphya Khola, which will continue to rise gently until it opens up to the scattered houses of Komash Village.

You will be in a place where time seems to slow and reality blends with mythology.

The locals still dress in ancient Tibetan wool coats and churn prayer wheels that have been handed down for generations.

Here, in this peaceful hamlet, you will camp under a canopy of stars, closer to Tibet than present-day Nepal.

It will be a night that seems like stepping back in time, perfectly placed for your Upper Dolpo trek experience.

Day 16: Trek from Komash Village to Shimen (3,850m)

As the day’s light breaks over the jagged ridgelines, you pack up and begin your scenic descent to Shimen, a lesser-known destination on the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary. 

The trail takes you through a wild and scenic highland valley, a place suffused with stillness; the only cordage of sound is the crunch of your boots and the distant bleat of the blue sheep.

If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, lurking in the shadows along these hidden slopes. 

Along the way, of course, you’ll pass ancient villages and maniwalls, as well as the memories of a more spiritual heritage that murmurs in the silence of the valleys. 

After about 5 – 6 hours of hiking, you will arrive at the tranquil settlement of Shimen, where you will camp riverside and sit in the deep stillness, one of Dolpo’s greatest offerings. 

Day 17: Trek from Shimen to Tinje Village (4,110m)

Today, your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary takes you further into one of Nepal’s remote regions.

The trek will follow the banks of the Panjyang Khola and you will walk across dry alpine areas.

You will also pass some small hamlets and a long-forgotten trade route connecting Dolpo to Tibet.

You will pass by numerous Buddhist chortens, hear the rattling prayer flags as they query the wind carrying out messages unseen.

There you will see local villagers carrying yak loads.

It’s a different world away from modernity.

We will spend around 5 hours walking before we reach Tinje Village, a broad valley which is a village and an airstrip away from the ordinary world.

The landscape feels large and the silence shapes the environment.

We will be camping in a sky full of stars, with a sense of time like a dream.

Day 18: Trek from Tinje Village to Yak Kharka (4,000m)

Today’s trail takes us gently down the Panjyang Khola valley (the river is clear and yaks are grazing wild, alpine meadows).

We will pass through the quiet Chhamdang village and continue toward the confluence of Panjyang and Chholtam Khola.

This section of the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary is almost meditative; the rhythm of walking along these silent stone gorges and undeveloped open spaces feels timeless.

As you walk across a wooden bridge over Thalum Khola, the landscape unfolds into Yak Kharka – a vast grazing ground.

The name speaks for itself: “Kharka” translates to pasture.

You will be camping here, surrounded by the unhurried, spiritual tempo of the mountains and the soothing sounds of wind and wool.

Day 19: Trek from Yak Kharka to Tokyu via Choila North Pass (5040m)

You will start today with fresh morning air and a big climb toward Choila North Pass (5040m) – one of the highest elevations in your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary.

You will have a slow and steady climb, but what awaits you on the other side is an expansive, uninterrupted view of stone valleys, wind-swept ridges and an overwhelming silence of the Himalayas.

After crossing the pass, you will drop into the Tokyu Valley, where you have abruptly transitioned from high, desolate ridges to new human life again.

Tokyu is said to be one of the highest-level permanent human settlements in the world.

You’ll camp near Tokyu Monastery, where there is a large statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is sacred and surreal.

Day 20: Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (3944m)

After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll hike on a gentle trail downstream to Dho Tarap, the most culturally rich village on your schedule of Upper Dolpo trek.

It’s a short trek, about two hours, but the impact is powerful.

You’ll walk past the Crystal Mountain School, a shining light for the children of this remote region.

Funded by a French NGO, it offers schooling to children from this remote region.

Dho Tarap is a living museum in and of itself. 

Decorated with colorful prayer flags, ancient chortens and vibrant monasteries, you will experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions in a profound way.

You will visit local gompas, meet open-hearted villagers and see how centuries-old customs are still alive and well in this remote high-altitude region.

Day 21: Trek from Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475m)

Today, your Upper Dolpo itinerary consists of a long return trek, but the magic will still unfold. 

From Dho Tarap, you will follow the rugged trail along the Tarap Khola.

You will hear the sound of the rushing river water by your side. 

You will traverse some more remote hamlets like Sisaul, Gyamghar and Toltol that seem to be silent echoes of life in a forgotten place. 

The distance is long, but the trek is easy.

You will admire narrow canyons, footbridges and grazing yaks before arriving at Naworpani, a quiet spot by the riverside.

Today is about the rhythm along the trail, the flow of the river and deepening your connection to the land of Dolpo.

Day 22: Trek from Naworpani to Lashicap (2,775m)

Today’s hike on Upper Dolpo’s trekking route is filled with raw, untainted beauty.

You’ll again trek along the Tarap Khola downstream, hiking in precipitous gorges, suspension bridges and increasingly more lush environs as you slowly descend in altitude.

The air is denser, the vegetation greener and the sights of lower altitude begin to emerge, showcasing meadows, rhododendron thickets and grasslands.

On your journey, you will also pass Lamini Odar, a natural cave that serves as a shelter for some villagers.

You will also soon arrive at Lashicap, a quiet glade along the river that will be the site of tonight’s camp.

The major change in the landscape is just a gentle reminder of how vertically you have gone and how you will be descending soulfully!

Day 23: Trek from Lashicap to Dunai (2,140m)

Today is the day your adventure begins to pull itself back toward civilization along the upper Dolpo trek.

From Lashicap, you will make the gradual descent down forested trails and stone-paved paths, continuing along the Thuli Bheri River.

You will pass many small settlements and a few suspension bridges, blowing smoke through prayer flags.

After a few hours of easy trekking, you will arrive in Tarakot, a colourful village that once lay on a historic trade route.

From Tarakot, it is a beautiful stroll to Dunai, the administrative centre of the Dolpo district.

You will currently find Dunai refreshing, despite its nostalgia. 

A soft spot to land after being in the wilderness for so many days.

You will enjoy almost luxury accommodation tonight in either a campsite or a guesthouse.

Day 24: Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2,475m)

Today is the final day of your Upper Dolpo trek on foot, as per your Upper Dolpo trek plans.

You will be leaving Dunai after breakfast, once again tracing the course of the Bheri River.

The trek is peaceful, climbing softly as you make your way through friendly locals, irrigated fields and wooden-and-stone houses. 

A short 3-hour trek, but one you can use to absorb every last detail, every step a soft farewell to Dolpo.

By midday, you’ll arrive in Juphal, where the adventure first began.

It’s time to rest, reflect and prepare for the flights ahead. 

Day 25: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu (1,400m)

You will begin your day with a sunrise flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, which will be short.

Yet it brings you out of the wilderness and back into the warmth of the lowlands in no time.

After a short layover, you will board your second flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. 

Looking down upon the tops of the hills and valleys, you will likely find yourself replaying the memories you accumulated in Dolpo.

Once in Kathmandu, our team will be there to meet you and escort you to your hotel. 

After weeks in the wild, it will feel almost surreal to experience the comfort of being in a city, some hot showers, warm food and maybe a toast to all you have accomplished on this journey.

Day 26: Final Departure from Kathmandu 

And thus the Upper Dolpo trekking itinerary concludes its final page.

Depending on when you take your flight, you might have a couple of hours to spare to explore around Kathmandu’s vibrant streets.

You can grab a coffee in Thamel, shop for hand-made souvenirs or quietly contemplate in a nearby stupa.

Our staff will see your airport transfer through, making your final leg smooth. 

Leaving for Tribhuvan International Airport, you’re not just leaving Nepal, you’re carrying with you the stillness of high passes, Phoksundo’s blue sheen and stories few have had the chance to live.

Your Dolpo story finishes here, for now.

Upper Dolpo Itinerary Route Map & Elevation Profile

Where does the Upper Dolpo trek route actually take you?

It’s a bit like a slow spiral around the minimally populated spine of the Himalayas.

The path starts in low valleys, winds through sacred lakes and concealed monasteries, crosses wide-open Himalayan passes and descends into a desert-like Mustang.

The best part? 

It’s not a straight line.

It is a full-circle trek, which means that each day, you will see a new front of the mountains.

Daily Elevation Gain Chart

Let’s face the truth, altitude matters!

And, on your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary, you will reach an elevation of over 5,000 meters.

With three high-altitude passes that are over 5000 meters, rough trails and no teahouse infrastructure.

The difficulty of Upper Dolpo trek should not be taken lightly, even by experienced trekkers.

And managing high elevation gain is critical to consider, as it can make or break you on these types of trials.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what your legs (and lungs) will be up against: 

Key Permits Required for Upper Dolpo Trek

While checking your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary is necessary, there’s another thing you need to get, i.e, permits.

The Dolpo region, both the lower and upper sections, is a protected and culturally sensitive area.

That is why you will need a few special permissions to enter.

Those Upper Dolpo trek permits are:

Permit 1: Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Upper Dolpo is a government-declared restricted area, so a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), commonly called the “Upper Dolpo RAP,” is required.

The Upper Dolpo RAP costs USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each day thereafter, making permits one of the major contributors to the overall Upper Dolpo trek cost.

The permit can only be issued through a registered trekking agency. 

Also, you must have a licensed guide.

Permit 2: Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

Almost all Upper Dolpo trek itineraries take you through Shey Phoksundo National Park, where you will explore the spectacular Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake.

Moreover, you will find many rarities such as snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep.

This permit costs around NPR 3,000 per person (about USD 25).

Permit 3: Lower Dolpo RAP

Depending on how you design your Dolpo itinerary, you may enter the Upper Dolpo region via a Lower Dolpo route (for example, Dunai, Tarakot and Dho Tarap).

If you do this, you will also need a Lower Dolpo RAP, which is cheaper than the Upper Dolpo one.

This is around USD 20 per person per week.

Permit 4: TIMS Card

The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card ensures the safety of trekkers in Nepal and keeps track of them.

The TIMS card is required at the checkpoints and is also very useful in general emergencies in the mountains.

The TIMS card costs USD 20, and we have already included this in your trek package with us.

What to Expect: Food, Water & Accommodation

You step away from the cafes and lodges of the world when you step into Upper Dolpo.

You won’t be ordering pancakes with wifi on this trek. 

It is rugged, remote and peaceful, hence it is a powerful adventure. 

But it also means you will have to know what you are getting into in terms of food, water and where you will sleep.

Is it Camping or Tea house style of trekking?

On almost every trekking route and trek throughout Nepal, there are basic teahouses, but not on this trek.

The Upper Dolpo trek is a fully camping trek.

There are no teahouses or hotels beyond Dunai.

Each evening, you will sleep in a tent set up by our crew, outside under the stars, in valleys that feel untouched.

We carry everything from shared tents, foam mattresses, cooking gear, to a dining tent where you will gather with your fellow trekkers for meals.

Our crew will set up camp in a safe and scenic location, either near a river, a village or a meadow.

Each trekker will have their own sleeping tent with room to stretch out, sleep and store a duffel.

Remember to pack a warm sleeping bag rated at least -15° C, as nights can get incredibly cold, especially above 4,000m.

What Do You Eat on the Trail?

Although you won’t be eating five-star menus, you’ll get warm, wholesome three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Breakfasts will consist of porridge, some Tibetan bread, eggs or perhaps pancakes; drinks of choice are tea or coffee.

Lunch and dinner will alternate between rice, lentils, fried noodles, soup, veggies and, on occasion, pasta or momos.

Our team processes all food hygienically. 

We utilize local ingredients where we can and source essentials from Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.

We’ll ensure you have nutritious meals that will fuel you adequately for long days of hiking.

If you do have dietary restrictions, please advise us well in advance.

We can accommodate vegetarians, some gluten-free options and simple wants.

Quick Tip: To be prepared on the trek, consider carrying some of your favorite energy bars or dry snacks. Once you are in the wilderness, you will not find any shops to buy these snacks.

Water Purification & Hygiene on Remote Trails

You should not drink straight from the streams, even though they look clean.

We’ll take care of you.

We provide boiled and filtered drinking water both mornings and evenings.

You just need to fill your water bottles before heading out and fill them again upon returning to camp.

To be extra safe, feel free to bring along purification tablets or a personal filter water bottle.

They are great to have in case of emergencies or for mid-day bottle filling right nearby any natural source of water.

As for hygiene and using the restroom?

There are no bathrooms!

We set up a private toilet tent at each campsite and inform you how to keep things clean while still respecting nature.

Trek Tip: It’s a good idea to bring wet wipes, biodegradable soap, and hand sanitizer. There are no showers, but if you are brave enough, there are rivers and buckets warmed by the sun.

Upper Dolpo Trek Essentials: Packing List & Gear

Having the correct layers is essential because the Upper Dolpo trek weather can change from the blazing sun to snow in a matter of hours, especially when crossing the Kang La Pass.

Ultimately, once you’re in, you’re in. There are no shops. No turning back until the end of the trek. 

The better you pack, the better your experience will be.

Here is what Bold Adventure recommends for your trek (and we provide):

What we provide (so you don’t have to)

• Tents (sleeping, dining, toilet)
• Sleeping mattress
• Cooking and kitchen gear
• Table, stools and group logistics
• Boiled/purified water
• Full meals and snacks
• Emergency kit & oxygen
• Duffel bag for porter carry

We’ll provide a complete packing list for the Upper Dolpo trek after your booking confirmation, but here are the essentials:

• Sleeping Bag: A good quality four-season sleeping bag rated to -15°C. Nights can get cold, especially once you’re above 4,000m.

• Backpack: A 30–40L daypack for essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen and layers.

• Trekking Boots: Waterproof, ankle-height and well-worn in trekking boots. No testing!

• Layered clothing: Think base layers, fleece, down jacket, and windproof shell. The weather can change quickly, from sunburns to snowstorms.

• Accessories:

1. Woolen hat + sun hat
2. UV sunglasses
3. A Buff or scarf
4. Gloves (inner + insulated outer)
5. Headlamp (do not rely on your phone)

• Toiletries & hygiene:

1. Toothbrush/paste
2. Wet wipes
3. Toilet paper
4. Biodegradable soap
5. Hand sanitizer
6. Towel (quick-dry)

• Health & first aid:

1. Personal medication
2. Blister care (trust us, this is very important)
3. Sunscreen + lip balm
4. Diamox (for altitude if prescribed)

• Other essentials:

1. A power bank
2. Water bottles or a hydration system
3. Purification tablets
4. Snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate)
5. Trekking poles (optional but very useful)

Packing Tip: We recommend that you pack in layers and have your gear organized in dry bags. You’ll thank yourself in the middle of a snowstorm.

Do You Need a Guide for Upper Dolpo?

To be clear, the Upper Dolpo trek is not a standard trek.

It is remote. It is rugged. It is restricted.

And yes, you will need a guide.

Do I Need a Guide Legally?

The Upper Dolpo trek is classified as a restricted area and the government of Nepal requires all trekkers to go with a registered guide and licensed trekking agency. 

You must have a minimum of 2 people in your group (not including your crew) and the permits can only be issued by authorized operators, like Bold Adventure. 

So no, you cannot take the Upper Dolpo trek without a guide, even if you have trekked solo in other areas of Nepal.

What If You Could?

Let’s pretend, for the sake of playing devil’s advocate, that the restrictions did not exist. 

You are still on unmarked trails, no mobile signal and no rescue services on speed dial. 

You are trekking over 5000-meter high-altitude passes in rain-shadow terrain, setting up a remote-style camp, and navigating a non-tourist village where very few people speak Nepali, let alone English.

Having a local guide is not only legal, it is also a competent, safe and resourceful choice. 

What Does a Guide Bring to the Experience? 

A good guide doesn’t just show you the path; they explain the story associated with it.

They advise you on what that old monastery means, why those cliffs are sacred, where you might see snow leopards, and how to interact respectfully with locals. 

Our guides have training in altitude safety, wilderness first aid and knowledge of local culture. 

They are your Google to this mysterious land and your backup in case of emergencies.

Doing the Upper Dolpo trek with a guide is what makes trekking an experience that you’ll never forget.

Trek Tip: Going with a guide will result in less stress, better acclimatization, more interesting stories and more concentration on what is most important, which is the experience.

Additional Tips for Trekking the Dolpo Region

• Honor Tibetan Traditions: 

You will be trekking through ancient Tibetan cultures that continue to live on in Dolpo.

Whether you are walking clockwise around prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, or simply walking, not only is that a part of tradition, but it is also a form of respect.

• Honor the Prayer Flags

The prayer flags have the people’s prayers written on them and carried upon the winds.

The prayer flags designate that you are on sacred ground and that you are on a spiritual journey rather than just a physical one.

• Packing Smart is Survival

The weather can change in an instant.

A sleeping bag, rain gear and a warm layer are must-haves.

Always have a personal purifier for water, as you will need it when you are in the wild.

• Use Trekking Poles in the Upper Passes

The trail gets rough as you approach higher passes like Numa La and Baga La.

Always carry trekking poles to protect your knees, as they provide stability on the loose trails.

• Take Your Time Acclimatizing

The itinerary for Upper Dolpo trek allows for rest days for a reason.

Drink water, eat well and never ignore the signs of altitude sickness.

• Be Present and Not Just For the Camera

Dolpo is quiet, remote and mystical.

Create space to turn off your devices and become absorbed in the landscape, particularly at Shey Gompa or when underneath Crystal Mountain.

Final Thoughts: Why This Itinerary is Worth the Effort

Let’s be honest with ourselves here. 

The Upper Dolpo trek is not for everyone. It’s long. It’s wild. 

It takes you well beyond paved roads and well beyond your comfort zone. 

And that’s why this trek is unforgettable. 

Our detailed itinerary for the Upper Dolpo trek was designed for wandering. For wondering. For waking up quietly and falling asleep underneath galaxies. 

You’ll be living a story one campsite at a time – past wind-whipped prayer flags, underneath the watchful eyes of snow leopards, next to the turquoise glint of Shey Phoksundo Lake and into the sacred heart of Shey Gompa. 

With Bold Adventure, every trail is planned with purpose, every permit is taken care of and every moment is curated for meaning. 

So when you are ready to stop chasing crowds and start chasing legends, the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary is waiting for you.

Book your adventure with Bold Adventure. Let the journey to legend begin.

FAQs About the Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary